In this article, learn about:

The types of item setup formats and when to use each

The tools and platforms used during Target’s item setup process

The key steps to set up and maintain items at Target

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Item setup and maintenance are crucial tasks for any Target vendor. It’s important to set up items correctly and ensure that the item information remains accurate for the lifespan of the item. Clean item data is crucial for keeping your business with Target healthy and providing a positive experience for customers.

Types of Items

Before setting up items for Target, it’s important to understand the types of items and use cases for each type:

Single Item Standard (Stand Alone): Used for standalone items that do not have similar qualities to other items in the assortment. Also used for non-retail items, like shippers, displays, and fixtures.
Multiple Item Standard (Stand Alone): Used for setting up multiple standard items at once. This process does not work for items with a different department, class, or merchandise type.
Dynamic Assortment (Master and Components): Used to group two or more similar items under a single master item. The master item is orderable and represents one unit of any of the underlying components, which are the sellable items. This is helpful for grouping similar items or planograms.
Bundle (Master Item): Used to group multiple standard items together as a single sellable unit on Target.com. The guest places one order and receives all included components. Each component is also a standard item and may be sold separately.

How to Set Up Items

As you will see from the steps below, the item setup process is collaborative, involving the work of the vendor, item data specialist, and merchants. Each step requires coordination to ensure that items are accurately built, approved, and ready to launch both in stores and online.

Item Setup Tools/Applications

To support this process, Target uses several key tools and applications. Each platform serves a specific purpose, from initial item creation to image management and partner approvals. Vendors will interact with different tools depending on the step they’re working on.

Tool/Application	Purpose
PCN (Apex)	PCN refers to Product Costing & Negotiations, a Target application that buyers utilize for assortment planning. The application allows for communication between vendors, buyers, and Item Data Specialists.
ICT	The ICT stands for Item Communication Template, which is a tool that vendors, buyers, and Item Data Specialists can use to communicate about item setup if the vendor is not yet onboarded to the PCN application.
LaunchPad	This application is where vendors will start the item setup process.
IMN	IMN, also called the Item Management System, is where vendors will complete the item setup process.

Item Setup Statuses

There are also key item statuses to know to better understand the setup process:

LaunchPad Status	Meaning
Initiated	Means an item startup has begun but not been completed.
Ready for Order	Also called RFO, this status means that the item setup has been completed, but it does not yet have partner approval. This can prevent ordering from taking place.
Ready for Launch	Also called RFL, this status means an item is ready to launch on Target.com
History	Refers to an item that is nearing the end of its life and only has 4-24 months until deletion.

Target’s Item Setup Process

Target's item setup process involves eight key steps:

1. Buyer & Vendor Assortment Planning

In this stage, the Target buyer negotiates and plans the assortment with the vendor. These communications take place in either PCN or ICT, depending on what the vendor has access to.

Ownership: Buyer and Vendor

2. Vendor Alignment

Once assortment planning has taken place, the buyer will complete Vendor Alignment. In this step, the buyer will choose the vendors and items they want to use from the assortment.

Ownership: Buyer

3. Vendor Item Setup

Once Vendor Alignment is complete, selected vendors have 48 hours to begin item setup. This process starts in LaunchPad, where initial item information is entered, and is completed in IMN. Both tools work together to guide the vendor through the setup workflow.

Ownership: Vendor

4. IDS Finalize Item Setup

Step four cannot occur until the vendor is done with their portion of the item setup. Once the vendor completes step three, the Item Data Specialist will validate the data, ensuring it is accurate and adding any data points that Target is responsible for (e.g., Product Title). If there are any issues with the vendor-owned data, the Item Data Specialist will contact the vendor via email. It’s crucial to respond to these inquiries as soon as possible to prevent delays.

Ownership: Item Data Specialist (and sometimes the vendor if corrections are required)

5. Partner Approvals

Some items require approval from specific Target partner teams before they can be ordered. The vendor is responsible for providing the necessary information and monitoring approval status. If more details are needed, the Item Data Specialist will reach out.

There are three types of partner approvals that may be required (depending on the item):

Import: This is required if Target is the importer of record. You’ll need to complete the Import Questionnaire in LaunchPad and Import tasks in IMN. This information is reviewed by the Global Trade Operations team to ensure customs compliance.
Hazmat Publish: This is required for items classified as environmentally sensitive. You must register the item through UL/WERCSmart and ensure the registration is sent to Target. The Hazmat team uses this data to manage safe storage, shipping, and disposal.
Scale Label: This is required for store-built or bulk items sold by weight (e.g., deli meat). If needed, FESQA will contact you to collect the required info, which they will enter into LaunchPad.

Ownership: Partner team at Target (with IDS and vendor support as needed)

6. Vendor Submit Product Content

Product Content is item information on Target.com that helps customers better understand the products. Target breaks this down into three buckets:

Foundational Content: Basic details required for an item to launch online, such as product images, titles, and long copy. This information helps potential customers discover your products on Target.com.
Enhanced Content: Additional assets like videos, size charts, rich media, and user-generated content that improve the shopping experience and boost conversion.
Guest Ratings & Reviews: Social proof from other shoppers, including star ratings, Q&A, and reviews syndicated from other sites.

High-quality content in each of these categories helps improve discoverability, builds trust with potential customers, increases sales, and reduces returns due to unmet expectations.

To create product images, vendors will either provide their own images or submit samples to be photographed at a Target studio. Your IDS will guide you through this process and request any needed assets to complete setup.

Ownership: Vendor

7. Launch Date

If all the previous steps are completed correctly, the item will be ready to launch on Target.com on the designated Launch Date. This date will have already been decided by the buyer and added into LaunchPad during the fourth step.

An item in LaunchPad is considered complete and ready to launch if it meets the following requirements:

Item setup is fully completed and validated

All required partner approvals (e.g., Hazmat, Import, Scale Label) are finalized

A primary product image is uploaded

The item is flagged to publish

The item has a retail price and the Launch Date is set

Ownership: Buyer and IDS

8. Item Maintenance

Once an item is set up, regular maintenance ensures the data remains up-to-date and helpful for customers. Maintenance refers to any updates made to item attributes after initial setup. Before making updates, vendors should notify their buyer. Depending on the attribute, edits may need to be made in LaunchPad or IMN. Use the Item Spec Sheet to determine where an attribute lives and whether it’s vendor-editable.

Ownership: Vendor and buyer

Target Item Set Up Glossary

Term	Definition
Assortment Type	Identifies the intended selling strategy for items. Used primarily in reporting and does not control inventory flow.
Barcode	A printed code and numerical identifier that is placed on an item to scan at point of sale.
Crossover-Sellable	An assortment type for items sold both in store and online.
Crossover-Viewable	An assortment type for items sold in store and only displayed online.
Department-Class-Item (DPCI)	An item identifier (formatted as: XXX-XX-XXXX). The first three digits represent the department, a group of similar items. The next two digits represent the class, a category within that department. The final four digits represent the item, a unique product within that department and class.
Display	A physical, non-sellable version of a sellable item used for visual presentation. For example, an empty TV shell that is displayed to represent the actual product without risk of theft or damage.
Dynamic Assortment (DA)	A type of assorted item that consists of a master item and two or more components.
Extensions	An assortment type for online-only variations of a crossover item, such as size, color, or flavor.
Fixture	Fixture, typically shelves, used to display sellable items.
GS1 Standards	A set of global standards used to identify, capture, and share product information to ensure consistency across supply chains.
Item	A sellable (or sometimes non-sellable) item that has a unique numerical identifier.
Item Data	Information and/or attributes of an item.
Item Data Specialist (IDS)	Target employee responsible for validating item data during the item setup process.
Item Identifier	A unique set of numbers used to identify a specific item.
Item Package Dimensions	Refers to the dimensions of a single item in its packaging
Manufacturer Style (Mfg Style)	An identifier assigned by the vendor consisting of any combination of numbers and/or letters. For example: ShelfWhite111.
Manufacturer Suggestion Retail Price (MSRP)	The retail price that a vendor recommends a product be sold for.
Merchandise Hierarchy	A system that categorizes items based on Target’s merchandising structure for use in planograms and financial reporting.
Merchandise Type Attributes (MTAs)	MTAs are unique to merchandise or item type and describe item specifications, such as “Batteries Included,” “Length,” etc.
Minimum Advertised Price (MAP)	The lowest price a product can sell for. It is set by the vendor.
Non-Retail	Items that are non-sellable and are instead used to hold or display sellable products.
Online-Unique	An assortment type for items only sold online.
Operational Attributes	These attributes are used on merchandise and item types and specify supply chain processes, such as cost, casepack, etc.
Planogram	A diagram that illustrates the placement of products on store shelves.
Product Hierarchy	A system that classifies similar items by industry standards to assign item-specific attributes.
Selling Channel	Refers to the method a guest can use to purchase a product. This categorization controls the flow of inventory (in comparison to Assortment Type).
Shipper	A fixture (used on the sales floor) that holds or displays products. Always disposable and temporary.
Sold In Store	Selling channel that classifies inventory sold in stores and not online.
Sold In Store, Sold Online	Selling channel that classifies inventory that is available both in stores and online.
Sold Online	Selling channel that classifies inventory that is available online but not in stores.
Store Ship Pack (SSP)	An inner carton within the VCP used for shipping a specific number of items.
Store-Unique	An assortment type for items sold in stores and not displayed online.
Target Corporation Item Number (TCIN)	A randomly assigned item identifier that is eight digits (formatted as: XXXXXXXX).
Vendor Case Pack (VCP)	An outer carton used for shipping a specific number of items.
Vendor Order Spec (VOS)	VOS, also known as Vendor Order Point (VOP), specifies the vendor ship point along with relevant terms and details.
Vendor Ship Point	A Target location where the retailer takes ownership of the sellable items (e.g., distribution center or warehouse).

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